Git vs TFVC
Choosing the right version control system is critical for a team's workflow and efficiency. Azure Repos supports both **Git (distributed version control)** and **Team Foundation Version Control (TFVC) (centralized version control)**.
Understanding Git and TFVC
Both Git and TFVC serve the purpose of version control but follow different models:
- Git: A **distributed** version control system where every developer has a local copy of the repository, including its full history.
- TFVC: A **centralized** version control system where changes are committed to a single, central repository.
Comparison between Git and TFVC
1. Key Differences
| Feature | Git | TFVC |
|---|---|---|
| Version Control Type | Distributed | Centralized |
| Repository Model | Each developer has a full local repository | Single centralized repository |
| Branching | Lightweight, fast, and flexible | Heavyweight, costly merges |
| Offline Work | Full access to history and commits | Limited offline access |
| Best For | Agile, fast-moving projects | Large enterprise monolithic projects |
When to Use Git vs TFVC
Choosing between Git and TFVC depends on the needs of the project:
- Use Git if:
- Your team needs fast branching and merging.
- You want distributed collaboration where developers work independently.
- You require offline access to repositories.
- Use TFVC if:
- Your project is large and monolithic, requiring centralized control.
- You have strict compliance and access control needs.
- Your team is already accustomed to TFVC and a migration to Git is not feasible.
Conclusion
While Git is the preferred choice for modern, agile development due to its **speed, flexibility, and distributed nature**, TFVC still holds value in **enterprise environments** that require centralized control and legacy integration.
The next step is to explore **creating repositories** in Azure Repos.